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Adam Blanshay Productions, Park Theatre, Playbill and The Theatre Café
The Theatre Channel announce a
Stephen Schwartz spectacular for Episode 8
New episode streaming from Friday 17th September 2021

Adam Blanshay Productions’ acclaimed web series The Theatre Channel returns with a show stopping musical spectacular to honour the legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked; Pippin; Godspell). Under the new direction of Olivier Award-nominated choreographer Fabian Aloise (Evita, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; Wicked, Germany) Schwartz’s modern masterpieces will come alive led by a sensational cast, including leading West End women Alice Fearn (Wicked; Come From Away), Louise Dearman (the only woman to play both Elphaba and Glinda – Wicked; Evita), and Christine Allado (The Prince of Egypt; Hamilton)

Further casting includes the incredible Stewart Clarke (Be More Chill; Fiddler on the Roof), Melanie La Barrie (Wicked; & Juliet), Cedric Neal (Back to the Future; Motown: The Musical) and the cast of the critically acclaimed revival of Pippin at the Charing Cross Theatre, with their fantastic rendition of ‘Magic To Do’. This marks the first time The Theatre Channel is doing a music video in collaboration with a production currently running in the West End, as they continue to evolve their concept.

The episode will be narrated by Stephen Schwartz himself, offering exclusive insights as he looks back over his career and the continual renovation of his work. With his numerous productions playing across London (Pippin, Charing Cross Theatre; The Prince of Egypt, Dominion Theatre; Wicked, Apollo Victoria), it is a testament to the craftsmanship of one of musical theatres muchloved talents. Schwartz will be joining The Café Five to perform an unforgettable finale.

Following their successful collaboration with Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, The Theatre Channel will continue to partner with theatrical venues to celebrate the return of live entertainment. The new episode is an exciting co-production with Park Theatre, where Schwartz’s powerful musical Rags was a critical smash in early 2020.

Stephen Schwartz comments, I’m honoured to be collaborating with The Theatre Channel on Episode 8, featuring my theatre songs. I’ve very much enjoyed and admired the previous episodes, so I know I and my work are in very good hands. An MTV/VH1-meets-Musical Theatre hybrid, The Theatre Channel uses the skilful and imaginative videos they produce to offer new perspectives on musical theatre songs, rediscovering them through a new lens. With “my episode” –Episode 8 — we plan to give fresh and modern twists to some popular favourites and offer some “hidden gems” as well. As a certain Glinda once said: “I couldn’t be happier”.

The cast will once again be joined by resident ensemble ‘The Café Five,’ comprised of Anthony Starr (Guys & Dolls, Sheffield Crucible), Danny Becker (The Prince Of Egypt, Dominion Theatre), Kayleigh Thadani (Disney’s Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre), M-Jae Cleopatra Isaac (Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales Theatre) and Vicki Lee Taylor (A Chorus Line, London Palladium).

The previous episode, a Rodgers and Hammerstein special, featured the incredible talents of Michael D. Xavier (Sunset Boulevard (West End & Broadway); Into The Woods), Josefina
Gabrielle (Oklahoma! (West End & Broadway); Merrily We Roll Along) and Caroline Sheen (Mary Poppins; 9 to 5). It also included an exclusive sneak peek into Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s production of Carousel, as part of an exciting collaboration with the venue

Producer Adam Blanshay comments, The Theatre Channel are delighted to continue our in-focus exploration of the anthology of a composer’s work with the incredible Stephen Schwartz. Spanning over six decades, Stephen’s work includes some of the most cherished musicals of all time. We are also incredibly grateful to Park Theatre for their collaboration with us on this episode. Their production of Rags was an immense success, and it’s an honor to bring the work of Stephen Schwartz back home to Finsbury Park.

Combining the thrill of stage and screen for an episodic musical revue of beloved classics, The Theatre Channel is an up close and intimate experience from the comfort of your home.

Previous episodes (1 – 7) of The Theatre Channel are available to purchase at Stream.Theatre to watch at your leisure.

Copmanthorpe Primary School, York – 11 August 2021

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

5*****

Around the World in 80 Days is a York Theatre Royal production, that is being performed in an outdoor setting at several schools around York, culminating with a stint in the theatre itself towards the end of August.

Armed with our camping chairs we set off to this unique setting, for a theatre show anyway. We found the school relatively easy with the help of Google Maps, with flags and balloons showing the way once we had parked the car. What greeted us was the setting of a circus ring, with flags adorning the perimeter. We were instructed to go between the two striped tents and set up where we wanted. Luckily there was plenty of room, as we set up relatively close to the main stage area, waiting for the adventure to start.

Based on the Jules Verne book, which I haven’t read, but have seen several film adaptions, which we found out, that were not quite true to the written word. Phileas Fogg (Emillio Iannucci), a very particular man, agrees on a wager and decides to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days, a feat truly unheard of in Victorian times. Along with his newly appointed servant Passepartout (Ali Azhar), they set on their travels. What follows is a wild race through countries, encountering different characters, including Mr Fix (Eddie Man) and Aouda (Ulrika Krishnamurti). As the story unfolds, we are frequently interrupted by the real-life tales from Nellie Bly (Dora Rubinstein), an American journalist who was widely known for her record-breaking solo trip in just 72 days, completing her trip in 1890. This was someone who I had never heard of and a true inspiration to others, anything is possible.

The costumes were quite stunning, from Fogg’s ringmaster attire to Aouda’s tradition Indian wear, and Bly’s magnificent, chequered coat, which tied in nicely with Fogg’s waistcoat. There was even an elephant costume, though simple in nature, it was truly imaginative and elegant.

The staging was set as a traditional circus, adorned with a canon. With simple alterations it was then transformed into a ship, a steamboat, a carriage, and a train, changing as we travelled from country to country. It was a sight to behold, so very innovative and quite spectacular. Occasionally there was a bit of a problem with microphones cutting out, but you could still hear what the actors were saying, and it wasn’t an issue.

All five actors did a tremendous job of taking us on a journey through the unique countries of the world from India to America. Their high energy performance really drew the audience in, with their comedic timing and ability to jump from circus performers, full of tricks, juggling knives, fire throwing and body contortion, we were just waiting for the unicycle, but that never materialised, to their 80 Day characters.

We were quite lucky with the weather, the rain just about held off, but it did get quite blustery and was very apt as the story unfolded, with Fogg’s journey across the ocean. I would recommend taking chairs, as opposed to a blanket to sit on, and an extra layer of clothing, it is also a great opportunity to indulge in a picnic.

This was a fabulous performance, a must-see show, I loved every minute of it, my kind of theatre. It is now touring Archbishop Holgate’s School, Joseph Rowntree School and then York Theatre Royal, until 28th August. Get your tickets booked, you will not be disappointed.

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS  

THE LONG AWAITED RETURN OF THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING MUSICAL 

BLOOD BROTHERS 

STARRING LYN PAUL WHO RETURNS TO THE SHOW  

AS THE ICONIC MRS JOHNSTONE 

OPENING AT THE THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH 

AHEAD OF A 16 WEEK UK TOUR 

RUNNING FROM 13 AUGUST – 27 NOVEMBER 2021 

Bill Kenwright‘s legendary production of the international smash hit musical Blood Brothers returns to the stage. The much-loved musical, which performed to sell-out houses and standing ovations on its most recent UK tour in 2019-2020, returns with gusto, re-opening at the Theatre Royal Plymouth on 13 August 2021.  

In celebration of the musicals’ relaunch, Lyn Paul returns for her farewell tour in the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone, which she first made her own in London’s West End. 

Completing the cast is: Hannah Barr (Brenda), Joel Benedict (Eddie), Josh Capper (Neighbour), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Danielle Corlass (Linda), Grace Galloway (Donna Marie/Miss Jones), Andy Owens(Perkins), Alex Patmore (Mickey), Robbie Scotcher (Narrator), Paula Tappenden (Mrs Lyons) and Danny Taylor (Sammy). 

Written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell, few musicals have been received with such acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood Brothers. Considered ‘one of the best musicals ever written’ (Sunday Times), Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.  It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (Daily Mail). 

This epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play, performed at a Liverpool comprehensive school in 1981, before opening at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. The musical has since triumphed across the globe, completing sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Japan, and scooping up four awards for Best Musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway.  

The superb score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. 

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins separated at birth, who grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.  

When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet. It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax. 

Lyn Paul first rose to fame in the early 1970s as a member of the New Seekers, whose hit ‘I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing’ sold over 20 million copies and remains one of the 100 best-selling UK singles of all time.  Lyn also featured as the lead vocalist on the 1974 number-one hit ‘You Won’t Find Another Fool Like Me’.   

Willy Russell is undeniably one of this country’s leading contemporary dramatists. His countless credits include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Educating Rita, originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two-year run in the West End and was made into a movie starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Shirley Valentine also made the move from stage to screen in an enormously popular film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti. 

LISTINGS

Bill Kenwright presents 

BLOOD BROTHERS 

2021 UK Tour 

Written by Willy Russell 

Directed by Bob Tomson & Bill Kenwright  

Musical Direction by Matt Malone 

Sound by Dan Samson 

Set & Costumes by Andy Walmsley 

Lighting by Nick Richings 

Associate Lighting Designer – Darran Curtis 

Tour Dates: Friday 13 August – Saturday 27 November 2021  

Theatre Royal Plymouth – theatreroyal.com 

13 August – 21 August 2021 – 01752 267222 

Oxford New Theatre – atgtickets.com/oxford 

31 August –  04 September 2021 – 0844 871 7615 

Southampton Mayflower Theatre – mayflower.org.uk 

07 September – 11 September 2021 – 02380 711811 

Nottingham Theatre Royal – trch.co.uk 

14 September – 18 September 2021- 0115 989 5555 

Newcastle Theatre Royal – theatreroyal.co.uk 

21 September – 25 September 2021- 08448 11 21 21 

Chester Storyhouse – storyhouse.com 

28 September – 02 October 2021 – 01244 409113 

King’s Theatre Glasgow – atgtickets.com/glasgow 

05 October – 09 October 2021 – 0844 871 7615 

Edinburgh Playhouse – atgtickets.com/edinburgh 

12 October – 16 October 2021- 0844 871 7615 

Bradford Alhambra Theatre – bradford-theatres.co.uk 

19 October – 23 October 2021 – 01274 432000 

Shrewsbury Severn Theatre – theatresevern.co.uk 

26 October – 30 October 2021 – 01743 281281 

Birmingham Hippodrome – birminghamhippodrome.com 

02 November – 13 November 2021 – 0844 338 5000 

Cheltenham Everyman Theatre – everymantheatre.org.uk 

16 November – 20 November 2021 – 01242 572573 

Woking New Victoria Theatre – atgtickets.com/woking 

23 November – 27 November 2021 – 0844 871 7615 

Running Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including interval)  

Website: kenwright.com 

Social Media: @BKL_Productions 

The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays  – until 14 August 2021

5*****

Reviewed by Sal E Marino

A very warm and covid-friendly welcome greeted us at the Lowry for the performance of Anna X.  Brilliantly written by Joseph Charlton and fantastically directed by Daniel Raggett, this modern and new innovative drama makes one question: is the measure of who we are what we do with what we have or does what we create come from who we are – our roots?  In the case of Anna and after eighty-five minutes of a highly thought-provoking sensory experience,  I really can’t answer those questions because she still remains an enigma and this is why I can’t stop thinking about her a day on!  

Anna X could be classed as the ‘quieter’ sibling of the popular TV character Villanelle because although she doesn’t commit any murders she is: devious, cunning, attractive in a kooky and quirky manner but also a master at reinventing herself into a fictitious character. Based around the story of Anna Sorokin (an-up-and- coming Netflix / HBO series about a Russian-born German con artist who made millions out of tricking wealthy socialites), Anna X lets the audience into her mind and shows one how easy it is change your status and income potential by networking and using social media as your platform and ‘playground’.  

Emma Corrin brings Anna’s raw hunger for ‘wanting it all’ to life, as she talks us through her first visit to New York City and lays out all the possibilities and dreams- come-true one can have there (that’s if you’re clever and brave enough to spot opportunities and grab them!).  One of those ‘opportunities’ comes in the form of Ariel (Nabhaan Rizwan), who although is an extremely rich and successful dating app entrepreneur, appears bored with life and wants something or someone different and unique to give him an authentic buzz that money or a drug fuelled nightlife seemingly can’t – but Anna can!  

This play is edgy, fast-paced and inventive and takes you into the underbelly of New York and into the pseudo worlds of fashion, art and quick, hard cash through a mesmerising set of screens.  So cleverly created by Mikaela Liakata and Tal Yarden, the aforementioned set was a myriad of images – some moving and some interactive that really immersed you into the narrative on a deeper level, instantly giving you the vibe and essence of a place or mood without further explanation. I’m sure this will be how many sets are translated onto the  stage in the future!  Complementing the highly-stimulating  multimedia arrangement and Corrin and Rizwan’s characters was Mike Winship’s continuous electro-techno and downtempo beats that just gave the right energy at the right time – so creating the perfect ambience for that moment.  

Fresh, captivating and very cool – Anna X, like Anna herself, is fascinating and leaves you wanting to know more! 

A Wales Millennium Centre Production
The Boy With Two Hearts
 

Written by Hamed Amiri
Adapted for the stage by Phil Porter
In collaboration with Hamed and Hessam Amiri

Directed by Amit Sharma

Wales Millennium Centre, Weston Studio
1 – 23 October 2021

Website – The Boy With Two Hearts

• THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE STAGE ADAPTATION OF THE EXTRAORDINARY TRUE STORY THE BOY WITH TWO HEARTS
   
• A STORY OF HOPE, FROM AFGHANISTAN TO WALES
  
   
• WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE’S FIRST HOMEGROWN PRODUCTION SINCE REOPENING AND THE FIRST WELSH REFUGEE STORY BROUGHT TO THE STAGE
  
   
• THE BOY WITH TWO HEARTS, AS FEATURED ON RADIO 4’S ‘BOOK OF THE WEEK’ IS THE STORY OF A FAMILY IN DANGER AND A LOVE LETTER TO THE NHS
  
   
• TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FROM WWW.WMC.ORG.UK
  
   
• AN ACCOMPANYING FREE VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE TITLED AMIRI WILL RUN ALONGSIDE THE PRODUCTION 

Wales Millennium Centre is delighted to announce that it will produce the world premiere of the stage adaptation of The Boy With Two Hearts. Directed by Amit Sharma, this extraordinary true story of a family’s journey from Afghanistan to Wales will be performed in Wales Millennium Centre’s Weston Studio from 1 – 23 October 2021, with a press night on 5 October.

The Boy With Two Hearts, as featured on BBC Radio 4’s Book of the Week, has been adapted by Phil Porter for the stage from the book of the same name by Hamed Amiri. It tells the incredible true story of the Amiri family and Hamed’s elder brother, Hussein, whose heart condition made their journey to the UK all the more critical. The Amiri family are living in Cardiff and are closely involved in the stage production.

Graeme Farrow, Artistic Director of Wales Millennium Centre said: “Hamed first told his story to us over two years ago and wondered how, and if, we could tell it on stage at Wales Millennium Centre. We knew that it needed care and time and to be told as the Amiri family wanted it to be told. It is a story of love, loss, family and connections and of a journey which is difficult, physical, emotional and personal. It is also a journey which brought a family to Wales which is now their home. I don’t think that you can fail to be moved and inspired by it.”

Herat, Afghanistan, 2000. A young mother makes a speech demanding freedom for Afghan women, angering local Taliban leaders who issue a warrant for her execution. With no choice but to run, the Amiri family embark on a long and terrifying journey out of Afghanistan and across Europe.

Thrown into an unfamiliar world of fake passports and untrustworthy handlers, the Amiris must learn how to live with nothing and avoid capture at all costs. With their eldest son Hussein’s life-threatening heart condition growing steadily worse, the UK is their goal.

Will they beat the odds and reach the UK in time for Hussein to receive the surgery he so badly needs?

Hamed Amiri said: “I am very excited and emotional to not only see my family’s journey come to life on stage, but also get to relive those many precious moments we had along the way.”

Wales Millennium Centre has assembled a creative team led by Amit Sharma who will direct a cast made up of Afghan performers Shamail Ali (Hessam), Farshid Rokey (Hamed) and Ahmad Sakhi (Hussein), who play the Amiri brothers, as well as the award-winning Afghan vocalist and composer, Elaha Soroor.  They are joined by Dana Haqjoo and Géhane Strehler.

The full creative team is:
Director – Amit Sharma
Designer – Hayley Grindle
Lighting Designer – Amy Mae
Sound Designer & Co-Composer – Tic Ashfield

Co-Composer – Elaha Soroor
Projection Designer – Hayley Egan
Casting Director – Sarah Hughes CDG
Vocal Coach – Gary Horner
Artistic Associate – Tafsila Khan
Producer – Pádraig Cusack

The stage production of The Boy With Two Hearts has been generously supported by Bob and Lindsay Clark and the Garfield Weston Foundation Culture Fund. 

VR Experience – Amiri a new virtual reality experience

Alongside the play, a new free virtual reality experience will run at Wales Millennium Centre.

A story of family, love and positivity. This communal VR experience, titled ‘Amiri’ is inspired by the stories of Hussein Amiri and his family, created in collaboration with Hamed and Hessam Amiri to honour their brother’s life.

Amiri brings together a small audience to share in the positive impact Hussein had on those around him in life, and following his death in 2018, as well as those that came to the family’s aid when they most needed it. The experience is centred around the sofra – the living/dining space within the family home where the family would meet, talk and exchange stories over food.

Told through a mixture of written, performed and verbatim recordings, the story surrounds the audience in an ever-changing virtual world which combines subtle imagery, light and shadow to evoke the feeling and atmosphere of the family stories being told, from Afghanistan to Wales.

Amiri is a Wales Millennium Centre and All Seeing Eye production in collaboration with Hamed and Hessam Amiri and funded by the Garfield Weston Foundation Culture Fund. 

wmc.org.uk

The award-winning seven methods of killing kylie jenner playwright

Jasmine Lee-Jones

stars in the world premiere of her second play

curious

Soho Theatre, 16 Sept – 16 Oct

Soho Theatre’s world premiere production of curious, written and performed by the award-winning Jasmine Lee-Jones, opens 16 September – 16 October. Press nights on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 September with BSL interpreted, audio-described and captioned performances Saturday 25 September, Monday 4 and Wednesday 6 October respectively.

curious is Lee-Jones’ second play following her critically-acclaimed seven methods of killing kylie jenner (Royal Court), for which she won the Evening Standard Award 2019 and Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright. Set against the sprawling backdrop of urban London across centuries, curious is a frank, funny and moving excavation of the lives of two actresses who are young, Black, queer and trying to find out who they are.

Jasmine Lee-Jones, curious playwright and performer said: ‘To me, curious is a deeply personal story of excavation past and present. Words can’t express how excited I am to be sharing it with Soho audiences in the coming months.

I was still at drama school when I first shared the play with an audience nearly three years ago. I always sensed the show needed a second life and as such it feels like an immense privilege to be putting it out into the world again. After debuting as a writer with my first play seven methods of killing kylie jenner in 2019, it feels super exciting to be coming to this production as a performer too.’

Directed by Anna Himali Howard (Inside, Orange Tree Theatre and I Wanna Be Yours, Paines Plough/Bush Theatre), Soho Theatre’s production brings together a hugely talented creative team including Co-Set and Costume Designers Camilla Clarke (La Traviata, Nevill Holt Opera,  and La bohème, ENO: Drive & Live) and Rosie Elnile (Prayer, Gate Theatre and [Blank], Donmar Warehouse), Sound Designer Xana (…cake, Theatre Peckham and Fairview, Young Vic), Composer Dominique Le Gendre (Richard II, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Waris Hussain’s Sixth Happiness) Assistant Director and Dramaturg Myah Jeffers (Hope Project, Clean Break Theatre and Really Real Teenz, The Yard Theatre), Production Manager Seb Cannings (The Last Five Years, Southwark Playhouse and The Entertainer, UK Tour) and Producer Ameena Hamid (Death Drop, Garrick Theatre and Shedding a Skin, Soho Theatre)

David Luff, Soho Theatre’s Creative Director, said: ‘Jasmine is a phenomenal talent and her writing is extraordinary: sophistication, wit, guile and power.

I’m so delighted that Soho Theatre is producing curious this autumn and we’re so excited to support her stage debut as a performer.

We’re also thrilled to welcome a fresh, new creative team to Dean Street, with multiple creatives making their Soho Theatre debuts.’

curious listings Information:

Produced by:          Soho Theatre

Dates:                      Thursday 16 September – Saturday 16 October, 7.30pm

Matinees, 3pm Thursday and Saturday

Tickets:                    https://sohotheatre.com/shows/curious/   

Price:                                   From £12

BSL Interpreted:    Saturday 25 September

Audio Described:   Monday 4 October

Captioned:              Wednesday 6 October

Jaz is in her second year at drama school.  Jaz is tired of performing. Hence her conundrum. But when she stumbles across a piece of forgotten history – her life is changed forever…

fifty-seven minutes of ecstasy, cum, sweat and tears

all erased in a heartbeat

a click

a breath

all of it gone

untraceable lust

Except if you’re like me and you know how to backlog…

What does it mean to find yourself? Especially when it seems the world you live in is diametrically set against you doing just that?

Set against the sprawling backdrop of urban London across centuries, curious is a frank, funny and moving excavation of the lives of two actresses who are young, Black, queer and trying to find out who they are.

Creative team:

Writer and Performer                                Jasmine Lee-Jones

Director                                                        Anna Himali Howard 

Co-Set and Costume Designers             Camilla Clarke & Rosie Elnile

Lighting Designer                                      Laura Howard          

Sound Designer                                         Xana

Composer                                                   Dominique Le Gendre

Assistant Director & Dramaturg              Myah Jeffers

Production Manager                                 Seb Cannings

Producer                                                     Ameena Hamid

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, With Faye Brookes Announced Hull New Theatre’s Panto Has The Finest Cast Of Them All!

Oh Yes It Has! Hull New Theatre’s beloved panto is set to return with a stellar cast lined-up for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring Faye Brookes and Neil Hurst along with legendary panto Dame Nigel Ellacott.

Best known for her role as Kate Connor in ITV1’s Coronation Street, Faye Brookes will play the title role of Snow White in the venue’s glittering festive production from 11 December to 2 January. Having trained in musical theatre, Faye starred as Frenchie in Grease, Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical in the West End and as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde The Musical on tour across the UK.

Earlier this year Faye showed us her skill on skates, coming second in ITV1’s Dancing on Ice and from September Faye will tour the UK as Roxie Hart in Chicago.

Playing Muddles will be comedian Neil Hurst, who returns for a second season following his much-loved Hull panto debut in Aladdin. Best-known for his roles in The Syndicate and Fresh Meat, Neil was also a co-host of ITVs All Star Family Fortunes, and starred alongside John Malkovich and Rupert Grint in The ABC Murders for the BBC.

Completing the line-up will be Dame extraordinaire, the fabulous Nigel Ellacott, starring as The Nurse. No stranger to panto Nigel will be bringing his array of fabulous frocks, quick wit and encyclopaedic knowledge of pantomime, marking his 46th year in panto. Nigel last appeared as Dame at Hull New Theatre alongside Sherrie Hewson in Christmas 2014.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be brought to the stage by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer.

Crossroads’ Chief Executive Michael Harrison said: “After a year away from theatre we’re incredibly excited to bring pantomime back to Hull and are thrilled that the supremely talented Faye, Neil and Nigel will be among the cast creating this new production of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs for the New Theatre.”

Janice Wincott, Theatres and Halls Manager said, ‘We are very much looking forward to welcoming this talented cast to Hull New Theatre and our audiences back to our magical pantomime who once more will be able to experience the return of a much loved laugh-a-minute extravaganza and thrills along the way”.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be packed with comedy, magic and audience participation and will play at Hull New Theatre from Saturday 11 December 2021 to Sunday 2 January 2022 with tickets from £16.50.

Tickets are on sale now at www.hulltheatres.co.uk

RADA presents

RADA TALKS: Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Sian Clifford

Live at the Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre 

1 September 2021

Broadcast on DICE.fm on 15 September

• Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Sian Clifford in discussion at RADA’s Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre on 1 September
• Limited number of tickets available to the general public through a ballot from today at www.rada.ac.uk/ballot

• Tickets are available to buy for the DICE broadcast from 16 August at 10am on www.dice.fm

Award-winning actress, writer and producer Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag, Killing Eve) joins fellow RADA graduate and award-winner, Sian Clifford (Fleabag, Quiz and Inside No. 9) to discuss their experiences working together, their time studying at RADA, and how they have navigated their respective careers within the world of film, television and theatre.

Chaired by Farah Nayeri, journalist, author, and London-based culture writer for The New York Times and host of CultureBlast podcast.

RADA have made a limited number of tickets available to buy via a Public Ballot which opens on the 12 August. Successful applicants will have 48 hours to book tickets from the 20 August. 

With special thanks to Spektrix for their support. 

RADA In-Person Tickets: £30

DICE Tickets: £10

Concessions and RADA Graduates: £8

Current RADA Students: FREE

For your chance to buy RADA tickets, register at www.rada.ac.uk/ballot

To buy tickets for the DICE broadcast visit www.dice.fm 

Join us on the 1 September, for the next in our RADA Talks series featuring award-winning actors and directors sharing unique insights from extraordinary careers. Past guests include Kenneth Branagh, Ralph Fiennes, Imelda Staunton and O-T Fagbenle. 

Proceeds will go towards RADA’s Stage Critical campaign.

Soho Theatre – until 14 August 2021

5*****

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Hot Gay Time Machine is a scream. The fast paced, high camp jaunt through time shows us pivotal moments in the lives of Toby Marlow and Zak Ghazi-Torbati from coming out to their mothers through to university life and beyond.

From the moment you enter the theatre you know exactly what you’re getting – Toby and Zach bounce around the audience firing off questions about gay culture and effusive greetings in between high energy dance routines. By the time stragglers come in, they are welcomed with whoops from the entire audience, creating a communal atmosphere that is inclusive, celebratory and ready to party.

As you’d expect from the creators of Six – Lucy Moss directs – the songs are sharp and sassy and the banter between the ridiculously talented duo is lovingly bitchy. There is some wonderful audience participation in family scenes, and Marlow and Ghazi-Torbati never miss a chance to raise a laugh. As well as using familiar songs, the original numbers are hilarious, especially those describing the realisation that they were gay and later as they portray straight men bemoaning the loss of rainbows and unicorns to “the gays”. There are some poignant moments as the two riff on friendship and their families but just when it seems things are going to get deep, a filthy or bitchy comment gets flung in, lightening the mood and effortlessly reigniting the party energy – and Hot Gay Time Machine is the best party in town.

Prince of Wales Theatre – until 9 October 2021

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

4****

Writers Bert Tyler-Moore and the late George Jeffrie were able to apply their combined comedic talent to both stage and tv. Jeffrie’s legacy will live on in this piece, managing to balance satire with a great sending up to make the audience belly laugh. The Windsors transfers to stage from tv screen without losing any of its edge.

Harry Enfield became the living caricature of Prince Charles that we are all so familiar with, in edgy cartoons and sketch shows like spitting image. Terry-Ann Oberman brings a hint of Cruella de vil to Camilla that builds her character to megalomaniac proportions. Oberman gives an outstanding singing performance in her song revealing her feelings about Princess Diana. The ludicrous shades of dark and light are accentuated by the young princes and their spouses. Kara Tointon is a particularly convincing Kate and her fight scene with Meghan (Joelle Dyson) had the audience laughing out loud.

I am not sure whether the production team are being sensitive to the times or want to attract a wider audience, I do think they have an opportunity here to push the boundaries of acceptance a little further. Having said that, its almost pantomime proportions are a great way to escape the overly serious and sensationalised media coverage of the royals. They are a great subject to work with!